Our Team

Executive Director

Shane Malcolm came to Canada to as an international student from Jamaica in 2009 to take the Culinary Management (Co-op) Program at Niagara College. In 2011, he graduated with honours and began pursuing his BA in Hospitality Operations Management, which he completed with honours in 2014.

Shane led a robust and involved life during his post-secondary education in Niagara which led to numerous opportunities as a student leader that resulted in experiences within the local and provincial landscape. During his time at Niagara College he was Student Representative on the Niagara College Board of Governors and member of the Foundation Board. Shane spent four years as a student leader with the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), the last 2 years as President from 2014-16. Provincially, Shane was also a member of the Board of Directors for the College Student Alliance, a provincial advocacy group focused on advancing the concerns of the 110,000 students in colleges across Ontario from 2015-16.

As a Niagara resident, Shane is very passionate about making Niagara a stronger community and that has led to his activism in local transportation and youth engagement. Shane became a member of the NextNiagara Council in 2016 and will step into the role of Vice Chair in 2017.

Program Assistant & Marketing Coordinator

Cameron Jones is the newest member to the Leadership Niagara team. With a background in Marketing from Conestoga College and Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University, Cameron is eager to combine his skills in business and creativity to help empower leadership in the Niagara area.

While attending Conestoga College, Cameron was heavily involved with student government and took on a number of roles at Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI), Conestoga’s student association, during his studies. His first introduction to student advocacy was as a member of the Board of Directors, followed shortly after by his election as Vice President. Representing students at the local and provincial level really resonated with Cameron and in 2016 he became the President of CSI and a Board Member of the College Student Alliance, a provincial advocacy group representing more than 110,000 students across Ontario; experience which crafted his passion for leadership.

Living in Kitchener, Cameron has seen the impact inspired leaders can bring to a community having been involved in many locally run events and civic committees. Now working in the Niagara area, Cameron is excited to experience the region’s growing culture and immerse himself in the community.

Dean of Business, Hospitality, and Environment
Niagara College

Vivian relocated from her home in England to Niagara in 2011 and took the helm as Niagara College’s Dean of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Department. As a newcomer to Niagara, Vivian brought her perspective as a ‘citizen of the world’. Her arrival at Niagara College marked her return to Canadian soil after 20 years in the United Kingdom where she was Dean, Faculty of Business and Law for the University of Sunderland. Her work there opened doors for her to travel extensively to develop educational partnerships across the globe.

Kinnaird departed for England soon after completing her Master’s degree in Geography at the University of Waterloo. Over the years, she has transitioned from student, to professor, to administrator. She has co-written two books during her early years in the U.K. focusing on global development, and gender and tourism and has co-authored chapters on tourism, ecotourism, tourism recreation research, and town and country planning.

While she enjoyed her time in England, Kinnaird had always been interested in returning to Ontario and closer to her roots, since she was born in Hamilton and raised north of Toronto. As her children grew into teens, she felt a desire to expose them to life in Canada and open them up to a new international experience.

Although she comes to Niagara during what many view as challenging economic times, Kinnaird believes the possibilities outweigh the challenges. She views the current economic climate is a business opportunity to consider the future of the Niagara region, the direction it is heading, and its goals.

So far she is enjoying her new role at Niagara College, which is to provide academic leadership on programming, and to maintain and develop relationships within the College. These relationships, she says, are critical to enhancing the student experience.

Interim Dean, Goodman School of Business
Brock University

Barry Wright is an Associate Professor in the Goodman School of Business – Brock University. Dr. Wright’s academic research focuses on solving leadership challenges, change and its influence on organizational members. He also focuses on creating effective work environments.  He has provided consultation to a number of Canadian businesses and not-for-profit organizations.  With a Ph.D. in Management from Queen’s University, Barry enjoys being married and a father, coaching sports, a trip to the art gallery, travelling, and a good laugh.

Vice President, Human Resources
Walker Industries

Tom’s career as a safety professional started in 1976 as the health and safety coordinator of a family owned hog slaughter facility in Kitchener Ontario. Tom joined Canada Packers as part of a company acquisition and held positions of Health and Safety Specialist and Health and Safety Manager. In 1993 Tom retired from the meat industry and began his own company Palladium Safety Consultants and Sales Inc. Tom’s company grew rapidly over the years and clients included some of the largest Fortune companies in the USA.

Tom has worked in all sectors including: chemical, warehousing, retail, aggregate mining, cement, asphalt and road construction, meat and food processing, edible oils processing, construction, feed and fertilizer mills, auto, waste management, and environmental.

In 2000 Tom joined Walker Industries first as a consultant and soon after a full-time employee as the company’s Health and Safety Manager. In 2002 Tom was promoted to his current position of Director and carries responsibility for the strategic mapping of the Human Resource Management System within the three main operating divisions at Walkers.

Tom has sat on many Boards of Not-for-Profit organizations and Associations throughout his career. Tom’s is an avid Endurance horse racer competing in 50 mile and 100 mile races all over North America on his amazing horse Reames Magiciann.

Director of Database Marketing
Fallsview Casino Resort

A native of Niagara, Paul was born and raised in Port Colborne.  Following his undergraduate degree from UWO, he returned to Niagara and began his professional Career with Niagara Casinos.  Through his career, Paul completed his MBA while progressing to a senior management role within Marketing.  As an alumnus of the Leadership Niagara Class of 2014, Paul recognizes the value of developing future leaders in Niagara and the significant contributions that this program has, and will continue to deliver that will improve our communities.  Paul enjoys windsurfing, triathlon and cycle touring with his wife.

Draj has lived and worked in the Niagara Region since graduating from McMaster University with a degree in Economics. With over 30 years of leadership experience in the Financial Services sector, she is currently Director, Service and Deputy Privacy Officer at Meridian Credit Union.

In addition to her Certified Financial Planner designation she obtained in 1998 Draj recently graduated from college with a diploma in Human Resources Management.

In 2014 she co-authored “From Mindless to Mindful” How to Create Memorable Customer Experiences, which highlights local successful Niagara businesses and residents. Draj is proud to call Niagara home and is looking forward to contributing to Leadership Niagara.

Senior Manager, Global R&D Tax & Incentives
Deloitte

Andrew is a Senior Manager at Deloitte and leads the Niagara office’s Government Grants and Incentive practice.  Working closely with client stakeholders, he manages and advises on a variety of R&D tax credit and other incentive services across a breadth of industries.  He also contributes to various local, regional, and national initiatives related to training and practice development.  Andrew holds an Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a Professional Engineer.  Residing in Grimsby since 2006 with his wife and two young boys, outside of work, when he’s not busy chauffeuring kids to and from various sporting practices, he’s an avid cyclist, participating in charity ride events, and enjoys family camping trips in the backcountry.

Professor, School of Business and Management
Niagara College

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

I am passionate about the co-creation of learning experiences that contribute to the development of Niagara’s Community Leaders.

What do I bring to the team?

• Scholar-practitioner with over 20 years organizational development experience.

• PhD in Human and Organizational Development.

• Extensive experience delivering leadership and learning initiatives across public, post-secondary and private sectors.

Homelessness Action Plan Advisor, Community Services
Niagara Region

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

I believe that empowering emerging leaders to work together and with others to create positive change on issues of importance is critically important if we are to create a vibrant future for Niagara.

What do I bring to the team?

• A broad understanding of local community challenges and opportunities and the interconnectivity between various issues.

• Experience initiating and leading community change initiatives.

• Developmental Evaluation.

Nature Centred Leadership Coach

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

I have a passion for self-reflection, leadership and creating a vibrant Niagara by helping others reach the full expression of themselves and Leadership Niagara provides a vehicle for sharing these passions.

What do I bring to the team?

• Over 20 years of leadership experience in both the public and private sector

• A passion for challenging people to expand beyond their comfort zones

• A Master's Degree in Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching

Senior Occupational Therapist & Local President, OPSEU
Niagara Health System

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

I am passionate about Leadership Niagara as a exceptional organization that develops community leaders and engages these leaders to contribute to Niagara as a thriving community.

What do I bring to the team?

• Past participant of Leadership Niagara (2012-13) and the Leadership Niagara Graduate Certificate (2015).

• Certified facilitator with DDI (Development Dimensions International) systems and experienced in developing and implementing learning programs.

Professor/Coordinator - HR Programs
Niagara College

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

Leadership Niagara provides a unique learning experience for individuals to develop their personal capacity and at the same time contribute to the capacity development of their community. I am honoured to be involved with a program that supports our community and the exceptional talent within Niagara

What do I bring to the team?

• Over 15 years as an organizational development practitioner with specific expertise in leadership development;

• Extensive experience in curriculum design and delivery, developing learner-centred programs embedded in action learning and active learning principles; and

• A deep passion for learning with a deep commitment to support the personal and professional development of learners.

Philanthropy Manager
Bethlehem Housing & Support Services

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

I am actively involved with Leadership Niagara because the program brings together a diverse group of emerging leaders and empowers them to take responsibility for the well-being and improvement of our community.

What do I bring to the team?

• Over 20 years of experience working and volunteering in the non-profit sector

• Extensive experience developing a variety of community leadership programs

• Experienced community builder, creative facilitator and collaborator committed to working with others to find creative and sustainable solutions to local community issues.

Manager, Organizational and Leadership Development
Niagara Region

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

I believe that the development of a community of dynamic, inspired Leaders who are committed to the growth of Niagara is critical to the success of our Region.

What do I bring to the team?

• Over 20 years of leadership experience in both the private and public sector

• Experienced Human Resources practitioner; particularly in developing and implementing leadership and employee development programs and systems

• Extensive work in developing solutions and programs to drive employee engagement, enable culture shift and ensure effective change management practices

Manager, Student Engagement, Academic Advisement and Career Services
Niagara College

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

I am involved in Leadership Niagara because I truly believe in the process of developing a community of proactive, engaged, and motivated leaders. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the LN program. I feel that for as much as I am able to contribute, I take away so much more from my peers on the program advisory committee, the LN participants, and my co- facilitators in the LN core program delivery.

What do I bring to the team?

• An academic and career background in organizational and leadership development.

• A Master Practitioner certification for the Energy Leadership Index Assessment and a Certified Professional Coaching approach to leadership, transition and strategic development.

• An unending willingness to give back, by sharing any and all of my acquired capacity, knowledge and experience with the Leadership Niagara community.

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

What do I bring to the team?

Training Designer & Facilitator
Sandra Summerhayes & Associates

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

Leadership Niagara helps prepare participants to take on rewarding volunteer roles that are so needed in Niagara. Also, my personal and business mission is to help leaders succeed. Leadership Niagara gives me the opportunity to fulfill that mission.

What do I bring to the team?

• 10 years’ experience on Leadership Niagara’s Program Advisory Team

• Over 20 years of Leadership Training & Development experience

• A passion for helping others succeed

Director, Human Resources
CAA Niagara

Why do I care / why I am I involved with Leadership Niagara?

Developing leaders who are committed to building community and inspiring others to be the best versions of themselves is rewarding for everyone.

What do I bring to the team?

• Past participant experience (2015-2016)

• As an executive at one of Niagara’s top employers, CAA Niagara, easily connect program goals to business requirements.

• Passion for leadership and lifelong experiential learning.